Method and apparatus for manufacturing tire casings



Sept. 9, 19 24. 1,507,563

. A.*O. ABBOTT, J R

METHOD AND APPARATUS *FOR MANUFACTURING TIRE CASINGS Filed Aug. a. 1923 'fShe ets-Sheat' 1 I N VEN TOR.

} ADRIAN dflsaorr, JR. BY I His ATTORNEY.

Se t. 9 1924. 4 1,507,563

' A. O. ABBOTT, JR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR. MANUFACTURING TIRE CASINGS 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 8, 1923 IIII INVENTOR Ame/AN 0. Aaaa rr, JR.

HIS ATTORNEY.

Sept. 9, 1924., 1,507,563

' 'A. O. ABBOTT, JR

METHOD AND AIPARATQS FOR MANUFACTURING TIRE CASINGS Filed Aug. a. 1923 7 Sheets-Sheet s I N VEN TOR.

ADRIAN 0. A3190 Tr, JR.

///5 ATTORNEY.

Se t. 9, 1924. A

A. O. ABBOTT, JR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING mu-1 enues 7 Sheets-Shet 4 Filed Aug-. 8. 1923 R J .I! .I w n R a E m 7 N O. .f E0 T V .T N N A 3 1M. 5 w A M x fi g A y F rd h 3 z x 4 w z z w j A. O. ABBOTT, JR amnion AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING nan cAsiuGs,

Filed Aug 8. 1923 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 77 7a 73 A 2 i INVENTQR. ADRIAN 0/4550, JR.

H/SATTORNEY.

Sept. 9 1924.

1,507,563 A. o, ABBOTT. JR

.METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING TIRE GASINGS Filed Aug. 8 1923 7 Sheets-Sheet. 6

:v fig /02 l 'v///// /A 97 Ml I INVENTOR. ADRIAN 0.14550, Jk

Hi3 ATTORNEY.

Spt. 9, 1924. 1,507,563

A. O. ABBOTT, JR v METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING TIRE CASINGS Filed Aug. 8, 1923 7 Sheets- Sheet 7 P l a; i i 5 I; INVENTOR if ADRIAN 0/4530, JR.

HISATTORNEV Patented Sept. 9, 1924.

UNITED, STATES PATENT OFFICE;

ADRIAN o. ABBOTT, .13., or DETROIT,

,' ASSIGNOR TO Mouser & waronr,

OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF MICHIGAN. METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING CASINGS.

Application filed August 8,1923. Serial No. 656,382.

To all "whom it may concern."

Be it known that I, ADRIAN Jr, a citizen of the United at Detroit, county of Wayne, and State of v Mic 'gan, have invented a. certain new and useful Method and Apparatus for Manufacturing Tire Casings, of which the following is a full, clean-and exact description; This invention is concerned with the shap- O. Anno'rr,

10 ing and vulcanization of tire casings for motor vehicles which have been built on a drum (flat or crowned) as distinguished from a core. It aims generally to 'provide an economical method of manufacture, and one that may be performed with simple and inexpensive apparatus. More particu larly, it endeavors to provide a method of manufacture that maybe carried on rapidly, 7

- that requires very little handling or manipulation, that minimizes the number of operatives required to practice the method, and of execution in that is simple and practical a factory. The apparatus is simple and of order and in consequence exactly. The apparatus is quiring the operatives to sequently, the rate of production is primarily dependent upon the speed of, the operatives and they have but plain, easy operations to perform; The above are some ,,of the advantages of the will appear in the subsequent detail description.

With the preferred of the illustrated embodiments of the discovery in mind, but without intention to limit is required by the prior art, the invention, briefly, consists in making a. pulley-band of strain-resisting-elements and rubber com position of a, size prefe ably smaller than the internal diameter of a fixed vacuum chamber, reducing the pressure on the ex terior' of the pulley-band by exhausting the vacuum chamber and thereby completely 'shapingthe pulley-band to tire form, introducing in the cavi of the shaped casing a hollow bag whose ru ber composition walls are designedto sustain the casing in tire shape, mounting the casing introducing the assembled bag, casing and States, residing or without complicated parts liable to get'out.

co-ordinat'e in; inexpensive and: lends itself to rapid manipulation, not're-- wait upon it, 0011-.

invention, others its scope more than on bead rings,

beifi rings in a mold, and finally vulcanizing the casing. The pulley-band may be made built so as to contact with the vacuum chamber without an initial distension or bulging and, in this event, some of the operations enumerated may be omitted. The initial distension'of the pulley-band, when resorted to, may be performed variously.

Various embodiments of the invention are illustkll'ated in the accompanying drawings inw c Figure 1 is a cross-section of a casing and crowned building drum;

Figure 2 is a cross-section of a casing and flat building. drum;

Figure 3 is a cross-section of a casing alone as it appears after being built on a fiat drum at a diameter greater than the bead diameter of the finished casing;

Figure 4 is a cross-section of a casing, such as illustrated in Figure 3,

mounted or seated so as to substantially close the inner open fsi'de'ofa simple form of vacuum cham- I a Figure 5 1s a plan View,

showing how a -casin such as illustrated m Figure 3, may

be 150' ded formounting in a vacuumchamber, such asShoWn in Figure 4; v

Figureti is a sectional elevation of the preferred apparatus with a casing in cross-- section appearing in its initially mounted position;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary cross-section showing a casing after it has been initially distended with an inflating tube and partly shaped; v 3 Figure 8 is a fragmentary section showing the casing fully expanded and held in position ,in the vacuum chamber;. I Figure 9 is a similar view showing an an-' nular fluid container in sustaining position' within the shapedcasing, the inflating tube and its support appearing contracted to a a position facilitating the introduction of the container; v

-Figure10 is a cross-section through the casing after it has been mounted on the bead rings; Figure 11 shows the canizing mold; Figure'12 is a sectional elevation similar same assembled in :1

- to Figure 6, but showing an adjustable form of vacuum chamber, and also showing a straight-side or inexpansibly beaded casin m contra-distinction to a clinched "type casing illustrated in the previously mentioned figures;

Figure 13 is a fragmentary section of the apparatus of Figure 12, showing the different positions ofthe casing;

Figures 14; and 15 are fragmentary elevations and sections, respectively, of the adjustable vacuum chamber appearing in Figure 12, showing the means for adjusting the top and bottom walls of the vacuum chamber to accommodate pulley-bands of different widths;

Figure 16 is a cross-section illustrating an undesirable proportion of the vacuum chamber relative to a straight-side casing;

Figures 17 and 18 are fragmentary elevations and section, respectively, showing a preferred configuration of the inner faces of the top and bottom walls of the vacuum tions, respectively,

chamber;

Figures 6*, 6 and 6 are details of the aparatus shown in Figure 6;

Figure 19 is a crosssection of the straightside casing mounted on bead rings;

Figure 20 is a cross-section of the same assembled in a vulcanizing mold Figure 21 is a cross-section form of inflating tube for initially distending the casing to a position operative upon by the vacuum chamber;

Figures 22' and 23 illustrate modified forms of the apparatus, in which the pulley band is initially distended by air in direct contact with its inner surface to a position operative upon-by the vacuum chamber;

Figures '24 and 25, are sectional elevaof mechanical means for initially bulging acasinginto contact with or layers and the vacuum chamber; and V Figure 26 isa sectional elevation of an other form of apparatus for initially dis tending or bulging. a pulley-band into contact with aratus the casing being progressively rolled or folded outwardly.

The casing is first uilt in the form of a which may be fiat or arched in cross-section and which is comprehensively designated a pulley-band. Clincher type pulley-bands are indicated by the numeral 1 and straight-side type or inextensibly beaded pulley-bands by the nu ,meral 2. These pulley-bands may be'built of rubberized cord, or woven fabric in phes' vulcanizable rubber composition, in any convenient manner, such as that disclosed in patent to Ernest Hopkinson No, -1,374,505, granted April 12th, 1921. Theymay be built on collapsible crowned drums, such as indicated at 3 in. Figure 1, or collapsible flat drums, such as in icated at 4 in Figure 2. The diameter of the building drums when the constituents of a casing are assembled thereabout is preferably approximately equal to the bead diameter ofstance, may

form illustrated in Figure iii-by of a modified 'then restored to the open inner periphery of the vacuum has been built flat and 'with an evacuating the vacuum chamber, in this apthe finished casing, the drum maybe of a greater diameter. In the latter case, a clincher casing, for inbe built flat and then, when the drum is collapsed, brought-to the curved reason'of the tension in the margins of the pulleyband, resulting from the incorporation-of but not necessarily as the partially vulcanized beads in a stretched I condition, 'as more fully disclosed in a pending application of William J. Steinle, Serial No. 562,965, filed May 23rd, 192 For manufacturing clincher casings with plies of woven fabric, a crowned building drum,

is particularly advantageous.

However the pulley-band is fabricated or assembled, it is then positioned in contact with an evacuating apparatus such as that shown in cross-section at 5 in Figure 4i, for pulling or vacuously shaping it to approximately tire form. If ithas been built to the shape cross-section in Figure 3 as on a crowned drum or on a flat drum as before mentioned the pulley-band may be buckled as indicated at 6'in Figure 5, and shape so as If, however, the pulley-band at approximately the bead diameter of the finished casing, it is inserted loosely in symmetrical relation apparatus, instance in Figure 6 of the drawings, and then initially distended or bulged as in Figure 7 for instance so as to substantially close off the inner open side of the vacuum chamber. So positioned it may be completely shaped to approximately tire form also by exhausting air from the vacuum chamber, as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings, for instance. i

The initial bulging or chamber 0.

plished in a variety of ways and many expedients are illustrated in the various figures of the drawings. These various exdiagrammatically illustrated in it may be either as shown for to contact with distension of the pulley-band, when required, may be accompedients include initial bulging or distension (a) with an inflating tube of one form or another, as shown. in Figures 6, 7, 8, 12 and 21, (b) with air or gas in direct contact with the inner surface of the pulleyband,

'as illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, and (a) mechanical means orinstrumenwith purely talities such 25 and 26.

7 As before indicated, ing, after being HIOIHltBd ID contact with a vacuum chamber, is shaped to approximately tire form by exhausting air from the chamber, thereby difierentially pressing upon its opposite faces, at atmospheric pressure as are illustrated in Figures 24,

free to exert. its

force against the inner surface of the 'pullay-band.

lit!

the pulley-band caspreferably with air are suitablg instance. During After removal of the instrumentalities for initially distending the pulley-band to a non-obstruct' ition, an empty fluidpressurecontamer, such as that indicated at 7 in Figure 9, is then introduced in the casing which is held in shape and with its margins open so as to easily take or receive the container. The latter may be of any suitablerand convenient construction, but is preferably'made of rubber composition capable of repeated heat treatments and of a wall thickness suflicient to sustain or maintain the casing in approx-- imately tire form for a while at least.

Preferably the bags are inflated after being positioned also to assist in maintaining the casing in shape especially'when a long time elapses between shaping and vulcanization. It is to be understood, however, that the fluid pressure container 7 may be construct ed in any manner desired that will permit it to be introduced withina shaped casing and that will support the casing in shape by itself, preferably when empty, but it might be permissible, in some instances, to employ a thinner walled bag and to fill the same with fluid under a low pressure' The con-' tainer 7, adjacent its inner periphery, may be reinforced with fabric or with a metal plate or The next step in the process is to remove the casing and the supporting contamer therewithin, and to mount the same on rings of a shape suitable for the type of casing being manufactured. Such rings are indicated at 8 and 9 in Figures 10 and 19, respectively, of the drawings, being therein shown held against separation by clamps 10. It is to be understood, of course, that the fluid-pressure-container is equipped with an inflating valve or other suitable inflating means (not shown) andth'at the bead rings shaped .to pass or accomodate the stem 0 such a valve or means.

If the production permits, the assemblage shown in Figures 10 and 19 is then introduced into! a vulcanizing mold, such as those indicated at 11 and 12', in Figures 11 and 20, respectively, of the drawings, and themolds subjected to a suitable heat treatment, in a French vulcanization, fluid under pressure, such as water, or air, or gas, the last-named preferably, is supplied to the interior of the container 7 so as to maintain 7 a wall-compacting pressure on the inside of the casings while their outside is externally confined, as inthe rigid molds 11 and 12 illustrated.- But any convenient means may be employed to externally confine the casif the {production in the factory does not permit 0 enclosing the casings 1n the molds immediately after their mounting on head nngs,.it. is preferredto maintain a moderate definite "cally or suificiently press type of heater, for

in a mold by reducing the outside dimensions to a slight extent. Furthermore the casings would collapse a little more than is desirable for manufacturing purposes if the bags 7 were not inflated after shaping and before vulcanization'when the time in-' terval is protracted.

The container 7 may be charged with a quantity of fluid under pressure aften the molds are clamped Figure 20, for instance, and before they are stacked in avulcanizer, or fluid pressure may be constantly supplied to or maintained on the interior of a number of the containers 7 in a stack of molds in a press by manifolding in a manner Well-known to the trade and from an outside source of supply.

It will be noticed that the bead rings 8 and 9 are in immediate contact with the bead portions of the casing, whether it be a clincher or straight-side, during the yul'c'a nizing operation and that these rings constitute parts of the mold although sections 11 and 12, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, do most of the external confining and shapmg.

The foregoing relates largelyto the proc-v ess, what follows more particularly concerns the various apparatii that may be employed advantageously in practicing the process.

In Figure 4 is of apparatus, consisting of a vacuum chamber having an outer wall 13 and top and bottom walls 14 and 15, respectively, the walls 13 and 14, may be and preferably but not necessarily, are integral. The wall 15 is made separate and removable and is adapted to be bolted, hinged or otherwise conveniently secured in position, with a strip or gasket 16 of rubber, for instance, closing the joint between the walls 13' and 15, hermetihausted from the interior of the chamber through the pipe-line 17 connected to any suitable means for-the purpose. A support '18lin. the form of a flange, integrally or otherwise suitablyconnected to the-bottom wall 14 of the chamber, is desirablyprovided so as to locate .the pulley-band symas shown in shown the simplest form to permit air being eX- I metrical with relation to the vacuum chamher. By symmetrical is meant positioned substantially concentrlc to the vacuum Cllfiln her and with its margins projecting substantially equally on opposite sides thereof. The

inner surfaces o-fv the walls 14 and 15 are preferably constructed, as disclosed in Figures 17 and 18 of the drawings, the details of which'will appearlater.

4. 4 momma In Figures 69, inclusive, the preferred preferably of vulcanizable rubber composiapparatus is illustrated Therein, the tion and inflatable through a hose 36, which vacuum chamber. is shown comprising an is in communication with what may be conouter wall 20, a bottom wall 21 int gral veniently termed a multiple valve 37. The

therewith and a, top wall 22, which i hinged, details of this multiple valve 37 will later be 70 as indicated at 23, to the outer wall 20. A des ribed. The tube is preferably mountclamp, such as indicated at 24, is referably edon a drum 38 below a conical portion 39 provi ed for holding the top wal in posithereof, which servesto center the pulley- --tion during the operation of the vacuum band when it is initially positioned upon h b k t, 25 b i g Egoidal to the flange or'plate 40 that is desirably proair-tightly seal off the joint tw n the vided, as before mentioned in connection top'wall or cover and the side of the vacuum i h Fig re 4 0f the drawings to support chamber. To assist in raising thecover or the pulley-bands symmetrical of the vacuum top Wall, an arm 26, which ispulled upon chamber. The cone-topped drum 38 may be by a counter-balancing tension-sp-rlng 27, shifted from the position shown in Figure may be secured to the over. The n r 6 to the position shown in Figures 7 and 8 edges of the top and bottom walls are de-' in any suitable manner, conveniently by sirably rounded off as shown, or in any other mounting it or a pie on-rod 41, whose piston convenient manner, so as not -to injure the is operatively mounted in a cylinder 42. pulley bands. 0

While the roportions and ha e of the cylinder 42 to raise the drum, exhaust of Fluid under pressure may be supplied to this vacuum cham r may of course 'be varied, the cylinder allowing the drum to drop by it is preferable to make the chamber slightly gravity, It will be noticed that in F1gure6, larger inside than the tread portion of the n Oth r here 18 substantially no oilvulcanized casings which in consequence rel'l tion to the ready mounting of the pulceive the bags 7 loosely without buckles or l y-band in position for shaping, the marwrinkles; the diameter of the inside edges g s 28 of the vacuum chamber being open of the top and bottom walls i ef r bl and accessible. And there is-nothing whatgreater than the normal bead; diam t r of ever above the vacuum chamber lnterfermg the finished casing,which is being manuwith an operative moving a pulley-band fifi factored, anddeslrably enough greater to rizpntally and dropping it axially into permit the pulley-band to be positioned position with great rapidity.

easily and loosely, substantially as shown in The multiple valve 37, which is shown in several figures of the drawings. The width greater detail in Figures 6 and 6", is probetween the top and bottom walls of the vided with four plungers or stems, 43, 44,

vacuum chamber may bevarie'd also, but it 45, and 46, each of which is surrounded by is preferred to have theiree inner edges 28 a spring 47 normally holding its head seated. sufficiently close together so as not to contact Levers 48 and 49 are fulcrumed on lugs ex- With the beads of the pulley-band until the. tending upwardly from the casing to the latter has been substantially completely multiple valve 37, these levers being adapted 10 shaped by outwardly bulging its mtermeto operate one or the other of the two pairs diate portion; but the-edges 28 are spaced of valves 43-45 or 44-46, respectively.

apart preferably far enough to allow the The lever-48 is linked, as at 50, to a foot y frame 33, which supports, by standards 34, tion with any suitable source of fluid pres the vacuum chamber.

fluid pressure containers 7 to be introduced lever 51, which is pivoted at 52 to a depend readily. The vacuum chamber maybe gening portion of the multiple valve. Both 11 erally described as U-shapedin cross-section, levers 48 and 49 are normally held in the but it is to be understood that by this term position shown in Figure 6 by .coil s rings it is not intended to confine the invention 48' and 49'. Lever'49 is adapted to e opto a chamber having parallel top and bottom eratedby a rod 53, which is hinged at 54 to walls, asin Figure 12 for instance,masmuch the drum and which is provided with a as the inner surfaces of the top andbottom notch 55 adapted to engage the free end 56 walls. may flare or converge as indicated in of the lever 49. The notch 55 engages the Figures 6, 7 8 and 9 of the drawings. For end 56 of the lever 49 when the drum 1n l'lS- exhausting air from the vacuum chamber, a. ing reaches the proper position, such as pipe 29 is preferably provided to'place it in shown in Figure. 6, relative to the vacuum communication with any sultableevacuatin'g chamber. The depending rod 53 is sura'pparatus (not shown), the line 29 being rounded by a collar 57 on one end of a rod controlled by valve 30 (of a quick acting 58, whose opposite end is articulated, as at' plug type well known in the arts) operable 59, to a crank 60 on the rod 31 which is Y y a rod 31, having a handle 32. These turned in operating valve 30. The interior 7 parts are suitably mounted on a stand or of the multiple valve 37. is in communicasure supply 61 and .with the before-men- In the preferred apparatus, the pbulleytioned conduit'36 leadin to the inflatable -85, tube 35, and with a con uit 62 which comband is initially distended by a t municates with the bottom end'of the cylinder 42.

When the foot lever 51 is depressed, the lever 48 is rocked so as to close the exhaust valve 43, which communicates with the cylinder 42, and to open the valve 45, which communicates with the cylinder 15. The drum 38 is thereby raised to the limit of the stroke of the rod 41, this being preferably of a length to halt the drumin the position shown in Figure 7 with the inflatable tube drawings.

4 the vacuum chamber through pipe 29, with an exhaust apparatus (not shown).

in proper position for preliminarily'bulging the pulley-band. As the drum 38 moves to its extreme upward position, the notch in the rod 53 engages lever 49 and rocks it so as to close the exhaust valve 46 and to open the valve 44, thus allowing compressed air, or other suitable fluidunder pressure, to enter the inflatable tube 35 and bulge the pulley-band as shown in Figure 7 of the The operator now turns the handle 32 so as to operate valve 30 and place 1n communication,

Figure 6, which disengage the pendent-rod d 53 from the lever 49 so to be rocked to the as to allow the latter position shown in Figure 6. The casing being now substantially shaped and held by the vacuum, the operator removes his foot from the lever 51 so as toexhaust the cylinder 42 and allow the drum 38 to drop by gravity from the position shown in Figure8 to the positionshown in Figure 9. Thereafter, the fluid pressure container 7 is introduced and the process carried on as before detailed.

' however, it-will be In Figures 12, 13, and 14, a slightly modified form of apparatus is illustrated, this being more particularly suited for treating straight-side casings. The construction is very similar,to that already described in detail in Figure 6 and it would be superfluous' to repeat the "description of thecommon features of construction. In this form, noticed that the. vacuum chamber 63 has itsouter wall formed in two sections, 64 and 65, which are lapped as indicated at 66, the jointbetween them bein adapted to be sealed air-tightly .by a

ruib

er gasket 67, which iscarried by the section 65. 1 At suitable number of points, say three or-more,

the lower section 65 has secured to ita a formed to maintain wall' of the vacuum chamber.

plate 68, which is rovided with an inclined slot 69. 'In this s ot is received 9. lug or roller 70, which is carried by the'upper section 64. It Wlll be obvious that l by turning the uppersection 64 it may be shifted towards or tion 65 and thereby the lips 28 of the 'vacuum chamber separated or approached, as

desired, to accommodate pulley-bands of slightly difl'erent widths. The supporting late 42' is preferably adjustably secured y the bolt and slot connection 71 to an angular ring 72, which is riveted, or other: wise suitably fixed, to the bottom wall of the vacuum chamber. This afiords adjustment for supporting pulley-bands of'difi'erent widths on the plate 42 so as to extend.

equal distances beyond the'top and bottom plates of the vacuumchamber.

In the form of ap aratus illustrated in Figure 12, the inner e ges 28 of the vacuum chamber are preferably well clear of apulley-band that has been built at approximately the desired finishedor final diameter of its beads. If the internal diameter of the top and bottom walls of the vacuum chamber, i. e., measured at the'free edges 28, is approximately equal to the building diameter of the pulley-band, diiiiculty would be experienced'in forming it out to approximate tire shape inasmuch as the margins of the pulley-band would tend to remain more or less flat as built and or look, on the lips 28 of the vacuum chamher. This undesirable construction and its consequences upon the pulley-band being shaped are illustrated thereby grip, bind,

rawings and emphasizes the advantage in making the lips 28 or 28' of the vacuum chamber in diameter greater than the beads of the finished casing. If the casing is built flat-at approximately its head diameter, the lips 28 and 28 of the vacuum chamber .are preferably clear of the pulley-band about as shown in the other figures of the drawing.

The inner surfaces of the top and bottom 'walls of the vacuum chamber in all forms of construction are preferably shaped or a-vacuum,

tial vacuum, within the chamber to a zone m proximity 'to the lips 28 or 28 of the vacuum chambenln Figures 17 and 18, the preferred construction is illustrated as applied to the form of vacuum. chamber shown in Figure 12. An annular groove 73, which is preferably, but not necessarily, continuous, is therein shownprovided on the inner surface of the vacuum chamber immediately adjacent the free inner'edges or lips of the" top and bottom walls. This annular groove may be maintained in communication with the evacuating means of ducts 7 4,extending back toward the'oute'r 74 may be the form or rather parin Figure 16 of'the byproviding a series These ducts of grooves, as shown,

70 away from the lower secto a plunger 78, being sustained hand into contact with the or tubes (not shown) located either on the outside of the chamber or buried in the material of its walls. But any suitable means might be employed for maintaining the reduced p essme to the inside margins of the pulley-bands. The grooves and ducts 7 3 and 74, or theirlequivalents, are desirable so as to insure the sides of the casing and the bead portions thereof remaining wide apart, thereby permitting the introduction of a fiuid pressure container with facility.

In Figure 2-1 of the drawings, another indating tube is indicated at 7 5, this being in the form shown in cross-section with one of its side walls clamped between a pair of plates 76 and 77, which are suitably secured the other of its side walls on one side by a plate 7 9 and a reduced end of the rod 7 8. In this form of construction, when the rod 7 8 is moved downwardly, the air or other fluid within the bag 7 5 is compressed so as to distend it and move the pulley-band into contact with the vacuum chamber 5, the lower wall of: the bag 7 5 contacting with a round table 81, whose marginal portions are preferably shaped conical, as indicated at 82, for centering purposes, as heretofore mentioned.

Instead. of initially .distending the pulleyvacuum chamber 5, by means of an inflating tube, air in direct contact with the inside of the pulley-band collar 80 loose on may be utilized as illustrated in Figures 22 3B7 and 23. In these two figures of the drawings, the vacuum chamber 5 is shown supported and connected to a table 81 of substantially the same construction as that disclosed in Figure 21. (lo-operating with the table 81 and the pulley-band 2, however,- is a platen 83, carrying a cylindrical prd jection 84, which is adapted to lit within the pulley-band 2 as shown. In both cases, it prevents any inward buckling or movement of the pulley-band. The apparatus shown in these two figures, 22 and 23, is substantially identical, but in the former case, air under suitable pressure may be supplied to the inside of the pulley-band 2 through the valvecontrolled pipe 85, while in the latter, the air trapped wit the pulley-band and between the platen 83 and the round table 81 is adapted to be compressed and thereby eliect bulging or distension of the pulleyband into contact with the vacuum chamber.

The initial distension or bulging of the pulley-band may be accomplished mechanically. One mechanical device is illustrated in Fi e 24 as comprising a plurality of shoes 86, of which there may be any suitable number (only two being shown in the drawings for the sake of clearness). The shoes 86 are adapted to be actuated by a species of toggle 87, suitably articulated to a rod 88 which enters a hole 89 in the frame 90. De

gnomes scent of the rod 88 causes the shoes to be thrust against the pulley-band. The pulleyband inay be protected from cutting or abrasion by an interposed elastic strip or belt 91. The top'of the frame 90 is preter- -ably shaped conical, as at 92, in order to center the pulleyband relative the vacuum chamber 5.

A second mechanical form of initial distending apparatus is illustrative in Figure 25, wherein shoes 93 are shown hinged as at 94 to bell-cranks 95, which are fulcrumed at 96. Intermediately at 97, the bell-cranks 95 are pinned to links 98 which-are connected to a piston-rod 99, operated from a cylinder 100, which may be actuated by fluid in any well-known manner so as to move the shoes '93, of which there may be any suitable numher, from the position shown in dotted lines to and past the position shown in solid lines and thereby bulge the pulley-band out into contact with the vacuum chamber 5. In this form of the apparatus,

carries a table 102, whose margins 103 are preferably shaped conical for centering purposes, as before mentioned.

In Figure 26 of the drawings is illustrated still another apparatus for efi'ecting the initial distension of the pulley-band into contact with the vacuum chamber 5 mechanically rather than neumatically. The vacuum chamber 5, ta le 81' and platen 83 are very similar to those shown in Figures 22 and 23 of the drawings, being that the table 81' is perforated, as at 104, so as to prevent air the platen and table from being compressed. In this form of apparatus, descent of the platen 83' compels the pulley-band 2 to collapse, but the projection 84 compels this collapse to take lace outwardly and in consequence the pul ey-band is folded annularly and progressivelyfrom its.mar ins toward its center which latter is carried outwardly or distended. This continues until contact is made with the lips of the vacuum chamber, whose exhaust pulls the casing to approximately tire form. In this form of the apparatus, the piston-rod 78, which carries the upper platen, is shown operatively supported from a cylinder 105, whose opposite ends are adapted to be supplied with fluid under pressure from an outside source through a valve-controlled pipe 106 and branches, the valve 107 being conveniently operated by a handle 108 suitably connected with said valve.

In the foregoing, the process and the apparatus have-been set forth sufliciently for one skilled in the art to practice the inventions which are capable of wide variation without departure from their underlying principles. In that form of the invention in which a press of the type illustrated in Figures 22 and 23 is provided, the shaping of the only differencethe frame 101 trapped between tion device,

-. to a wall-compacting the pulley-band may be done substantially completely with air above atmospheric pressure in direct contact with its interior, the vacuum chamber being utilized merely to hold the casing in shape until a fluid pressure container can be introduced to sustain the casing internally in tire shape preliminary to'mounting the casing in molding membersand vulcanizing. The invention is be-- lieved tobe broad in scope and the various embodiments thereof that may be devised without departure from its underlying principles are intended to be comprehended in the accompanying claims to which reference should be made for a full understanding of its scope.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is 1. That method of manufacturing. tire casings'for motor vehicles which consists in, building fa} laminated pulley-band of strain-resisting-elements and rubber composition, shaping the band to approximately tire form, externally holding the band in approximately tire form with its inner. perip ery unobstructed, introducing a fluid pressure container into the casingto sustain it.

shaped, enclosing the casing in external molding members, and finally vulcanizing the casing with fluid. under pressure" within the container. I

2. That method of manufacturing -tire casings for motor vehicles which consists in, building a pulley-band of strain-resistingelements and rubber composition, locating the band in operative relation to a sucshaping the bandto approximately tire form and vacuously holding it in such shape with the space between its margins accessible for the introduction of an expansible container, introducing an expansible container within the casing and therewith holding it approximately in shape, and finally vulcanizing the casing with its exterior'confined and its interior subjected ressure exerted by fluid under pressure within the expansible container.

3. That method of manufacturing tire casings for motor vehicles which consists in, building a laminated pulley-bandof strainresisting-elements and rubber composition, shaping the band to approximately tire form, holding the band in. approximately tire form so as to at least snugly receive a fluid pressure container in its normal shape,

introducing a form-retentive fluid pressure container into the shaped casingg vthe margins of the casin on mounting positioning the so-mounte casing within a mold, and finally vulcanizing the casing with its interior subjected toa wall-compactin pressure.

4. T at method of manufacturing tire ead rings,

casings for motor vehicles which consists 1n, building a laminated pulley-band of strain-resistin elements and rubber corpposition, shap the band to a proximate y tire form, hold i ng the band-in iipproximate- 1y tire form with its inner periphery unobstructed, introducing a or -re'tentive fluid pressure container into the shaped casing, enclosing the margins of the casing in bead rings, applying fluid under moderate pressure to the container fora convenient interval of time previous to assemblage in a mold, assembling the casing and rings in a mold, and finally vulcanizing the casing with fluidunder a wall-compacting pressure within the container.

5; That method of manufacturing tire casin for motor vehicles which consists in, buildmg a'pulley-band 'of stra' -resistingelements and rubber composition, distending the band into contact with ,asuction device, shaping the band ap roximately to tire form and vacuously hol it in such shape with its margins accessihle for the introduction of a member therebetween, in-" troducing an expansible annular container and support within the shaped casing, enclosing the casing in external moldingmembers,

6. That method of manufacturing tire casings for motor vehicles which consists building a pulley-band of strain-res1st-' lug-elements and rubber composition, locat 'ing the band in contact with a suction de-' vice, vacuously shaping the band to tire fgrm and so holding it for the introduction 0 an ing, folding and introducing an expansible container within the casing to maintain the same in shape, enclosing the casing in external molding-members, and; finally vulcanizing the casing.

The process of manufacturing pneuinatic tire casin for motor vehicles which expansible container within the cas- I and finally vulcanizing the .casing with fluid under pressure within the exv pansible container.'.

consists in, buil ingthe casing substantially flat of vulcanizable material, shaping the casing to tire form with its inner cavity accessiblefor the introduction of an annular member, introducing" an expansible fluid-pressure container 'of a construction capable of retaining the casing approximately in its tire-shape without the-introduction of fluid pressure, and subsequently Vulcan-- izing the casing with the container filled with fluid under pressure to exert a wallcompacting action onfthe cure and while confined externally.

8. The process of manufacturing pneumatic tire casings for motor vehicles which consists in, building a pulle resisting-elements and .rub pneumatically distend' tact with a suction i -band of strainthe band into convice, shaping the casing during its r composition, 4

7 the inner margins I means including an ,tially distending a pulley-band into a pos1-,

, casings having a casings having a l the first-mentioned i collapsible open on its inner periphery,

band approximately to tire form and vacuously holding it in such shape with its margins accessible for the introduction of a member therebetween, introducing an expansible annular container and support Within th shape casing, enclosing the casing in external molding-members, and finally vulcanizing the casing with fluid under pressure within the expans'ible container. I

9. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings comprising in combination, means for vacuously shaping a pulley-band to tire form, and means for initially bulging the pulley-band to a position operative upon by means. I

10. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings comprising in combination, a hollow chamber open on its inner periphery, means for creating a vacuum chamber, and means for initially bulging the pulley-band'to a position in contact operatively with said first-mentioned means.

11. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings comprising in combination, a nonhollow annular chamber open to th atmosphere only on its said chamber having top and bottom walls,

of said walls being adapted to be enga ed by a pulley-band between and away om the bead portions thereof, and means for exhausting air from said chamber while shaping a casing there- 12. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings having a hollow annular chamber substantially U-shaped in cross-section and means for exhausting said chamber, in combination with means for initially distending a pulley-band into a position substantially closing the open side of said annular chamber.

13. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings having a hollow annular chamber substantially U-shaped in cross-section and open on its inner periphery, means for exhausting said chamber, in combination with inflatable tube for inition substantially closing said annular chamber.

'14; An apparatus for manufacturing tire hollow annular chamber substantially U-shaped in cross-section and open on its inner periphery, means for exhausting said chamber in combination with means for initially distending a pulley-band into arposition substantially closing the open side of said annular chamber, said lastnamed means including an inflatable tube and a support for said tube movable from an operative to an inoperative position with respect to said chamber-.

15. An apparatus for manufacturing tire hollow annular chamber substantially U shaped in cross-section and the open side of within the inner periphery,-

amazes open on its inner hausting said chamber, means for initially in combination with distending a pulley-band into a position i bstantieflly. closing the open side of said annular chamber, said lastnamed means including an inflatable tube, a drum for supporting said tube, and means for shifting said drum axially to and from co-operative working relation with said annular chamber.

15. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings having a hollow annular chamber substantially U-shaped in cross-section and open on its inner periphery, means for exhausting said chamber, in combination with means for initially distending a pulley-band into a position substantially closing the open sideot said annular chamber, said lastnamed means including an inflatable tube, a drum for supporting said tube, and means for shifting said drtun axially to and from co-operative working relation with said annular chamber,-said drum carrying means for centering a pulley-band casing relative to the annular chamber i 17. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings having a hollow annular chamber substantially U- haped in crosssection and open on its inner periphery, means "for exhausting said chamber, in combination with means for initially distending a pulley-band into a position. substantially closing? the open side of said annular chamber, said lastnamed means including an to and from operative relation with said annular chamber, means for inflating said tube, and means for deflating said tube operable simultaneously with the means for evacuating the chamber. a

18. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings comprising in combination, a noncollaps'ble hollow annular chamber substantially U-shaped in cross-section and open to the atmosphere only on its inner periphery, said chamber having top and bottom walls of a diameter greater than the bead diameter of the casing being manufactured, and means for exhausting said chamber.

19. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings comprising in combination, a hollow annular cham r substantially U-shaped in cross-section and open to the atmosphere only on its inner periphery and of aninternal diameter greater than the bead diameter of the casing being manufactured, said chamber having top and bottom walls spaced apart a fixed distance and materially periphery, means for exthe inner margins of which are inflatable tube, asupport for said inflatable tube movable and bottom plates being provided with an annular groove adjacent its free inner edge, and means for maintaining the groove in communication with the exhaust means.

21. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings having a hollow annular chamber open on its inner periphery, means for exhausting said chamber, in combination with pneumatic means for initially distending .a pulley-band into a position substantially 23. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings comprising a non-collapsible hollow annular chamber of predetermined U- shape cross-section and open to the atmosphere only on its inner periphery, the space above the chamber being unobstructed to permit a pulley-band to be positioned for shaping in said chamber, and means for exhausting said chamber.

24. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings comprising an annular hollow chamber having top and bottom walls and a rigid outer wall, the chamber being U-shaped in cross-section and open to the atmosphere only on its inner periphery, and means for exhausting air from the chamber to a zone in proximity to the inner periphery of the top and bottom Walls whereby to maintain apart the edges of a tire bein shaped.

25. An apparatus for manu acturing tire casings comprising an annular chamber with top and bottom walls and an outer wall, the inner periphery of the chamber only being open to the atmosphere, said to and bottom plates being each rovided wit an annular oove adjacent their free edges and with ucts maintaining the grooves in communication with the rear of the chamber, and

means for exhausting air from the chamber.

26. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings comprising a non-collapsible hollow annular chamber U-shaped in cross-section and having top and. bottom walls and an outer wall, said walls during shapingof a tire being immovable, means for evacuating .the chamber so as to shape a pulley-band to approximate tire form, and means for locat:

ing the pulley-band in substantiall symmetrical relation to the annular chamber preliminary to its vacuous shaping.

27. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings having a hollow annular chamber substantially 'U-shaped in cross-section and open on its inner periphery, means for exhaustin said chamber, in. combination with means or initially distending a pulley-band into a position substantially closing the open side of said annular chamber, said; lastnamed means being shiftable boa position not obstructing introduction of an annular IIUnember within a casing held in said cham- 28. An apparatus for manufacturing tire casings having a hollow annular chamber substantially U-shaped in cross-section and open on its inner periphery, means for exhaustin said chamber, in combination with means or initially distending a pulley-band into a position substantially closing the open side of said annular chamber, and means for supporting a pulley-band in a position suitable for shaping within said chamber.

29. An apparatus for manufacturin tire casings comprising a'hollow annular 0 amber substantially U-shaped in cross-section and open to the atmosphere only on its inner periphery, in combination with means for evacuating said chamber including ducts for maintainng less than atmospheric pressure on the inside of the chamber and to a zone in proximity to its open inner periphery.

30. That method of manufacturing tire casings for motor vehicles which consists in, building a pulley-band of strain-resistingelements and rubber composition, partially shaping the pulley-band with fluid above atmospheric pressure in direct contact with its interior, completely shaping the band to tire form by reducing the pressure onuits I outer surface below that of the atmosphere where the pressure of the latter is main tained on the inner surface of the casing, holding the casing so shaped in tire form,

air tightly secured together to form a chamber of substantially. invariable volume, at least one of-said walls being shiftable at will for facilitating the removal of a tire casing after it has been shaped, and meansfor withdrawing air from the annular U-shaped chamber. v

32. That method of manufacturing tire memes;

plied vacuum, and finally vulcanizing the it) casing on said container while externally confined and internally subjected to pressure on e, fluid Within the container. 7 Signed at Detroit, county of Wayne, and State of Michigan, this 3rd day of August, 16 1923.

ADRIAN o. ABBOTT, JR. 

